As anyone who has ever visited Hawaii knows, the word aloha means far more than just "hello" and "goodbye." In the Hawaiian language, alo means "to share" and ha stands for the concept of breath or life energy, according to some experts, suggesting the word sums up a spirit of love and generosity.
With devastating wildfires killing dozens and destoying over 200 structures in historic areas of the island of Maui, those of us in the travel community must now embody that aloha spirit for Hawaii.
Frommer's author Jeanne Cooper, a huge talent who has written many of our guidebooks about the state, lives in Hawaii. In an email yesterday, Jeanne recommended the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement's Kako'o Maui fund as the best option to send donations because the money will go directly to local organizations dedicated to helping the 'ohana (people) affected by the wildfires.
As of this writing, the fund has raised nearly $400,000, and money has begun to be distributed. The goal is to give a total of $1 million to affected communities.
Jeanne also recommends donating to the Maui Humane Society and the Hawaii Community Foundation's Maui Strong Fund.
We have no doubt that Maui and the other island communities that have been impacted will come back stronger than ever. Now is the time to show we care.
